DNA Tests Done to Confirm; Cause of Death Undetermined
From KTVZ.COM News Sources
COVE, Ore. — The Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division, assisted by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, is investigating the death of what is believed to be a wolf in northeast Oregon’s Union County, officials said Friday.
The deceased animal’s measurements and physical appearance match that of a wolf, but confirmation of the species is pending through DNA analysis.
Around 8:30 a.m. Friday, OSP Fish & Wildlife Senior Trooper Kris Davis received a call regarding the discovery of a possible deceased wolf on private property about six miles north of Cove. Davis and Sgt. Isaac Cyr responded and contacted the property owner and person who reported finding the deceased animal to ODFW Friday morning.
After taking possession of the 97-pound animal, OSP took it to a local veterinarian for X-rays. The initial examination didn’t confirm a cause of death, and officials said the investigation will continue to determine if it was the result of a criminal act.
According to ODFW, a wolf in this area would not be part of one of the four known wolf packs in northeast Oregon. ODFW has received a handful of reports of wolf activity in this area over fall and winter. The agency documented a single set of wolf tracks in the area twice in early October and again on Jan. 31.
Since then, ODFW has conducted track surveys and installed remote cameras in the area, but no more signs of wolves have been found.
Wolves are protected by the state Endangered Species Act throughout Oregon. Except in the defense of human life or with a special permit, it is unlawful to kill a wolf. Doing so is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $6,250.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Sgt. Isaac Cyr at (541) 523-5867 ext. 4170.